How to Grow Mastic Tree
Pistacia lentiscus
The mastic tree is a dense, aromatic Mediterranean evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its glossy compound leaves that flush red in spring and its aromatic resin. Red berries ripen to black in autumn. Extremely drought-tolerant and wind-resistant once established, it thrives in poor, rocky soils and full sun. Frost-tender in the UK.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needs feeding. A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring is only necessary for container-grown plants.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Root rot in waterlogged soil
- Frost damage in exposed positions
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, sheltered warm spot
Needs maximum sunlight and warmth. In temperate climates, plant against a south-facing wall for reflected heat. Tolerates wind once established.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Extremely drought-tolerant in Mediterranean conditions. Water container plants regularly. In-ground plants rarely need supplementary water after the first year.
Fertilizing
Rarely needs feeding
Thrives in poor, rocky soils. A light balanced feed in spring is only necessary for container-grown plants. Avoid rich soil.
Pruning
Light shaping in late spring
Prune lightly to shape after new growth appears. Tolerates hard renovation pruning if needed. Remove frost-damaged growth once new buds appear.
